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The New Zealand tourism industry will need as many as 36,000 more full-time workers by 2025, according to research released by the Tourism Industry Association (TIA) this week.

“TIA is working with the tourism industry to develop a People & Skills Strategy which looks at how to attract more people to work in the tourism industry in the short, medium and long term. This work is progressing well and we expect to launch it publicly later this year,” TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts said in a media release.

Last week Tourism New Zealand unveiled a new marketing commercial with the theme of ‘Every day a different journey’. In an official media release, Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler said the commercial is part of a new phase of marketing which will focus on New Zealand’s diversity.

“For the next phase of 100% Pure New Zealand, we’ll be emphasising our story of closeness and diversity – how our amazing landscapes and activities are all within easy reach,” Kevin said.

New Zealand’s largest tourism and trade event, TRENZ, was held in Rotorua this week (May 17 – May 20). More than 300 buyers from all over the world travelled to New Zealand for the occasion.

“Buyers come to TRENZ to discover new and exciting tourism products and experiences that they can sell to consumers in their home markets,” TIA chief executive Chris Roberts said.

“Over 90% of buyers at last year’s event told us that TRENZ is more important than any other marketing and purchasing activities they undertake. More than two-thirds expected an increase in the amount of business they do with New Zealand as a result of their attendance.”